Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ 1918 D.C.M. and ‘Somme’ 1916 M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant A. Y. Waddell, 2nd Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8804 Sjt: A. Y. Waddell. M.M. 2/Arg: & Suth’d: Highrs:); Military Medal, G.V.R. (8804 Sjt: A. Waddell. 2/A. & S. Hdrs.); 1914 Star, with clasp (8804 Pte. A. Waddell. 2/A. & S. Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (8804 W.O. Cl. 2. A. Y. Waddell. A. & S. Highrs.) medals unmounted, good very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1918; citation published 21 October 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This non-commissioned officer, who came to France with the battalion in August, 1914, and has served in many of the most important engagements in which the battalion has taken part, being severely wounded, has on many occasions displayed very fine coolness under the most trying conditions, which has inspired his men with great confidence. He behaved with great gallantry when in command of a platoon during a heavy enemy barrage lasting seventeen hours, steadying the men by the force of his example.’

M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1916. Believed to be an award for the Bazentin-Le Petit operations of 19-21 July 1916.

Alexander Young Waddell was born in Glasgow in 1884 and was a miner by trade. He served on active duty with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders from February 1902 for three years and thereafter in the reserve. Recalled in August 1914, he disembarked with the 2nd Battalion in France on 10 August 1914.

Sold with original Parchment Certificate of Character, dated 6 February 1905, and copied research including war diary extracts for July 1916.